The difference between what people say about the economy and actual economic performance is at a record

Based on surveys alone, one would think it is booming. Consumer confidence soared to a 16-year high in a Conference Board poll released this week. Surveys of small-business owners reflected optimism since the election. Chief executives of the largest U.S. companies say they are more optimistic now than at any point in the past seven years, according to a Business Roundtable survey.